TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Americans caught in the crossfire are heading back to the U.S. thanks, in part, to Florida officials.
Early Wednesday, a cruise ship took 1,500 people from Israel to Cyprus.
From there, they boarded a plane bound for Tampa.
Carrie Best Lary is from Broward County.
Just ahead of her 50th birthday, Lary planned a 10-day trip to Israel, sponsored by the Birthright Israel Foundation.
Now, instead of reconnecting with her Jewish identity, she’s fleeing back to the United States.
Lary and about 1,500 others arrived in Cyprus Wednesday after escaping barrages of Iranian missiles.
“We saw explosions… we saw missiles,” she said. “We heard sirens… we went to (the) shelter the minute we got that notification.”
“It’s a very scary time,” she continued.
Birthright Israel officials said Gov. Ron DeSantis helped coordinate four wide-body planes to fly all U.S. participants to Tampa.
From there, they will be able to continue on to their respective hometowns.
Tampa Jewish Community Relations Council Chair Jonathan Ellis expressed pride in the efforts of Florida’s governor, who has paved the way for 1,500 Americans to return home safely amidst the ongoing conflict.
“Florida is equipped with the necessary resources to ensure that American citizens stranded in Israel can safely return to the U.S.,” he stated. “It’s essential to acknowledge and commend the proactive steps he’s taking.”
“Governor DeSantis has always been a strong ally to Israel,” he continued. “His dedication extends not only to the state of Israel, but also to the people of Florida and American citizens overall.”
News Channel 8 On Your Side reached out to the Florida Department of Emergency Management and is awaiting a response on details and timing.
